Eastern State Penitentiary was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, a haunting world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers. Its barrel-vaulted ceilings and distinctive courtyards serve as the perfect backdrop for your event.
Eastern State is available for private event rentals from April through August each year. A selection of preset packages are available. In addition, we are happy to work with you to create a custom rental package that meets your needs.
Ready? Book your event today! Questions? Contact us at [email protected].
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Private After Hours Reception
Eastern State Penitentiary’s historic baseball field is one of Philadelphia’s hidden gems. Complete with views of the city skyline, this is the perfect space for the group that wants to enjoy an outdoor reception. With market lights, picnic tables, and the caterer of your choice, your event will score you a home run.
April - May 2024 | Monday - Sunday after 6:00 pm
June - August 2024 | Sunday - Thursday after 6:00 pm
Capacity | 50 - 1,000 people
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Private Custom Events
Whether you’re entertaining friends, family, employees, or clients, guests are sure to be amazed by the high-quality event experience at Eastern State. Pick a select area, or rent the entire site for a completely customized event. Our installed LED lighting system allows the look of each event to be easily customized. And the music of your choice will echo through the cellblocks as your guests mix and mingle for a memorable evening! Our experienced, in-house event professionals will work with you to craft a unique, unforgettable event for your group.
April - May 2024 | Monday - Sunday after 6:00 pm
June - August 2024 | Sunday - Thursday after 6:00 pm
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Wedding Ceremonies
Weddings at Eastern State are always a beautiful affair. While we do not host wedding receptions, we would be honored to host you and your loved ones for an unforgettable ceremony in the central rotunda just steps away from Al Capone’s Cell.
April - May 2024 | Monday - Sunday after 6:00 pm
June - August 2024 | Monday - Thursday after 6:00 pm
Capacity | 100 people
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Movie Screenings
Gather your group in an outdoor courtyard or the central rotunda (rain location) to watch your favorite movie projected onto the penitentiary’s tall, stone walls. We will provide the chairs, beverages, and individual bags of popcorn. Movie screening starts at civil twilight on date booked.
April - May 2024 | Monday - Sunday after 6:00 pm
June - August 2024 | Sunday - Thursday after 6:00 pm
Capacity | 50 people
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Book Your Event
Interested in hosting your event at Eastern State Penitentiary? Please complete and submit this online form. If you have questions or need support, contact us at [email protected].
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Disclaimers
Event rentals are for private, pre-existing groups only. Tickets cannot be sold to the general public and events cannot be advertised online. Eastern State will not advertise nor publicly endorse any private event rentals. If it is determined tickets are being sold for an existing site rental, it will be immediately canceled without a refund. Eastern State does not rent the site for ticketed events, graduations, proms, wedding receptions, dance parties, concerts, paranormal investigations or any event in conflict with the mission of our organization. Respect for the people who lived and worked at the penitentiary must be exercised at all times. Costumes and décor, including but not limited to prison uniforms, handcuffs, straitjackets, etc. are prohibited. Availability is based on a first come, first serve basis and is not secured until the deposit is received. Eastern State stands as a stabilized ruin without climate control. Events operate rain or shine, and we encourage guests to dress for the weather! For all outdoor events during the public hours, we require that a rain hold be placed on a tent. The tenting fee is separate from the rental fee and is not included in our base rental costs. Tenting estimates can be obtained by contacting our exclusive tenting company, Anthony Party Rentals.
